Consultant in Plant Breeding and Genetics

Job Posting Organization:
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is an international organization that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons. Established in 1957, the IAEA has a mission to enhance global peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through the promotion of nuclear science and technology. The organization operates in over 170 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,500 employees. The IAEA's Major Programme 2 focuses on Nuclear Techniques for Development and Environmental Protection, which includes various programs aimed at improving food security, health, and environmental sustainability.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position aims to enhance the capabilities of Member States in fruit crop improvement through the testing of diverse micropropagation methods and the handling of fruit crop samples for irradiation. The consultant will also evaluate the nutritional quality of crop samples. This role is crucial for streamlining the use of nuclear techniques to enhance genetic diversity in Member States and facilitating access to essential irradiation services from the IAEA and other institutions. The consultant will be responsible for documenting all standard procedures related to sample handling, micropropagation, storage, and irradiation in a standard operating procedure for the Plant Breeding Genetics Laboratory.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will provide technical expertise in testing and optimizing methods for in vitro culture and micropropagation of fruit crops, specifically citrus and avocado. Responsibilities include conducting radiosensitivity tests to determine the appropriate dose for mutation induction in collaboration with Member States, processing samples for irradiation of vegetatively propagated crops with a focus on fruit crops, and processing Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) related samples. The consultant will also elaborate on standard operating procedures for material preparation and handling, which includes in vitro propagation, multiplication, and readiness for irradiation of in vitro propagated crops, alongside sample processing and evaluations of nutritional quality.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree (bachelor) in Biology, Plant Sciences, Food Science, Industrial/Biological Engineering, or related disciplines. A minimum of two years of experience in in-vitro culture of vegetatively propagated crops is required, with a preference for experience working with fruit crops or woody crops. Experience in plant biotechnology, breeding, and/or genetics is also necessary. First author publications on related topics would be considered an asset. Candidates should have a good oral and written command of English, and knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is advantageous.

Educational Background:
The position requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Biology, Plant Sciences, Food Science, or Industrial/Biological Engineering. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to perform the tasks associated with plant breeding and genetics effectively.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least two years of relevant experience in the field, particularly in in-vitro culture of vegetatively propagated crops. Experience should include adherence to phytosanitary and quality standards, with a focus on fruit crops. Additionally, familiarity with plant biotechnology, breeding, and genetics is crucial for the role. Previous work that has resulted in first author publications on related topics will be viewed favorably.

Languages:
A good command of English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's suitability for the role.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy offers a daily fee of up to a maximum of €200, which is determined based on the consultant's qualifications and experience. If duty travel is required during the assignment, a daily subsistence allowance (DSA) and travel costs will be provided. It is important to note that health coverage and pension fund responsibilities lie with the consultant.